Engine oil has several functions. Its primary purpose is to reduce friction and wear of internal parts by preventing metal-to-metal contact. Oil also helps to coat the bare steel internal surfaces and prevent corrosion inside the

I’m the proud second owner of a 1978 Cessna R182. I bought it from the guy in the next hangar. He was very proud of his airplane and had spent many an hour down at the airport washing and polishing it.

Hi Steve,I am the proud owner of a 1983 Cessna T210N. My 210 has everything: dual alternators, dual vacuum pumps and full de-icing equipment. It has safely transported me all over the west ever since I bought it seven years ago.

Engines in aircraft that are flown only occasionally may not achieve normal service life because of corrosion. This occurs when moisture from the air and products of combustion combine to attack cylinder walls and bearing surfaces during periods

Hi Steve,I sent you a picture of a part I need for my Cessna 182 (photo, above). This part screws into the intake manifold above the carburetor. The hose for the manifold pressure gauge screws onto the part.

My mechanic told me I need to change it, but I haven't been able to find the part number

Have a DIY project in mind? Read these eight simple tips before you start.

March 2015-

As pilots, we have a responsibility to know our aircraft as well as we can, and one great way to learn about our airplanes is to complete a restoration project.Things like replacing bulbs, installing new

Hi Steve,I have two top-of-the-line noise-canceling headsets that work great, but I prefer to fly my 1975 Cessna 210L without them.I've tried all the top brands and not one of these headsets is entirely comfortable. I suspect it's because I have an extremely large head. The reason

Dear Steve,My 1964 Cessna 210 during a recent annual was noted not to have the landing gear horn sound, so the wire was replaced.Two flights ago during taxiing when I lifted the nose, the horn started; when I relaxed, it stopped and I had no problem.During taxi on very my last

General aviation (GA) pilots enjoy a level of flexibility and freedom unrivaled by their aeronautical contemporaries. Airline, corporate, and military flight operations are all strictly regulated, and each uses a significant degree of internal oversight to ensure compliance. GA has

Thirty-two years ago my start in the engine business was as chief pilot test flying, delivering engines, airplanes and customers. Since that was in the sun-drenched wonderland of eastern Long Island at Mattituck, N.Y., I needed a rainy/snowy day job in the shop where I could fill my

If properly maintained and operated, today's Continental and Lycoming engines are exceedingly reliable. Having one actually stop is a long shot that most of us pilots don't like to talk or even think about. If these engines were the least bit prone to stopping, we'd have boats not

There are a lot of reasons you should consider finding a shop that will let you help with your aircraft's annual inspection. And saving money isn't one of them.Two words strike fear into the heart of every aircraft owner: Annual Inspection – the yearly ritual that's just slightly less

This portion of the article about the application process for Supplemental Type Certificates was generated by listening to aircraft owners, A&Ps and A&P/IAs across the United States complaining about Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) no longer approving Field Approvals Form

Hi Steve,This year I took my 1976 Cessna 182P to a new shop for my annual since I heard that it a good idea to switch to a different shop from time to time. The new shop manager called me to say that the airplane was in pretty good shape, but... (hearing "but" from a new mechanic is

Dear Steve,I am well versed in matters mechanical. I mention that because a friend told me about a 1961 Cessna 210 that I can get for a very good price. I have heard that the early 210s require more maintenance than the later ones but like I said, I'm a good mechanic and I am

If there ever was an endeavor to which the phrase caveat emptor applies, it would be purchasing an aircraft. Even as a seller, you are still at great risk. We've all heard horror stories about both sides of an aircraft sale, and I've lived through a few myself.In 35 years of doing

At EAA AirVenture this year Superior Air Parts introduced its Vantage engine with STC approval for Cessna 172R and 172S models.We took some time to visit with Scott Hayes, Vice President, Sales and Marketing about the new engine and were duly impressed with what Superior has

Yes, combustion cabin heaters can be verysafe to operate when properly maintained.Pilots and owners need to take an active rolein making sure these heaters receive theservice they require to remain safe and

If you hit rain or turbulence, you can deviate; if it's hot, you can just keep climbing untilyou find cool air. But when it's cold, it's cold everywhere. Here are some simple steps tokeep your combustion cabin heater providing maximum

This Service Instruction identifies a new 4 psi flow divider spring Precision P/N 2577011 that is available as a replacement for the 2 psi flow divider spring for improved idle characteristics, especially in hot weather, for Lycoming engine models IO-360-L2A, IO-540-AB1A5, IO-540-AC1A5, and

Q: Dear Steve,I have a 1961 172B and during climbout, the oil temp pegs the gauge. I see no difference in oil pressure, and oil on dipstick shows seven quarts. The service manual states that seven quarts is an acceptable level, although eight quarts is full.I heated oil in a deep fryer to 180

August 2014- Q: Hi Steve,I want to upgrade to a Cessna 182. My A&P, who I trust, called to tell me that he has found a very well-equipped 182. He's trying to talk me into buying it.The airplane has two Garmin GPS navigators (a 530 and a 430) has a recently rebuilt engine with new cylinders, and the

July 2014- Maintenance scheduled to be performed during a recent annual for my R182 Skylane equipped with a Lycoming O-540 mill included the inspection and reaming of the exhaust valve guides under Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1425.First you need to determine the valves are not wobbling as per

July 2014- Q: Hi Steve,I own a 1966 Cessna 182. Yesterday another guy in my hangar row asked if I would like to fly his 2004 Cessna T182T. Of course I said yes.Then I asked if I could borrow his owner's manual so I could compare it to mine and see if the numbers were different, and to see what had

Q: Hi Steve,During a windy day recently I guess I got flustered because I failed to flare enough while landing my 1966 Cessna 182J. My mechanic tells me I wheelbarrowed the landing—and he says there's some firewall damage that needs to be repaired.

Replacing the original equipment DOFF-type alternator with a modern, aircraft-specific Plane-Power alternator is a good move. It's a very good move if you're still depending on a generator for electrical power.I recently stepped in to the 21st century by replacing the 50 amp

I am the happy owner of a Cessna 152. I bought my 152 to train in at the recommendation of my uncle, a very experienced pilot. He told me that it’s easier to train if I used the same airplane throughout my training.

I’m bummed. My mechanic called to tell me that the engine case of the left Continental IO-520-M in my 1975 Cessna 310R is cracked. But he also said that he’s going to do some research to find out if it’s okay to fly with the crack.

In 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act were enacted. In 1995 the industry and the FAA started seriously searching for an unleaded 100 octane avgas. In the intervening time 245 fuels were tested by the FAA at its William J. Hughes Technical Center; the testing was overseen by the Coordinating

December 2005- Many pilots dream about adding an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to their flight equipment and throwing away 40 pounds of paper. You will see many advertised for $2,500 and up that do a great job.

On the other hand, can you make do with computers and software you already own and use

October 2005- While it may seem early to write about the coming winter, fall is the season to prepare. Preparing your aircraft will make operating during winter much easier, safer and also save you some money.

Even if you don’t plan on flying during the winter season it is important to prepare for

September 2005- Even though I haven’t compiled any hard statistical data on the subject of oil cooler mortality, I can tell you with great certainty that the most common causes of oil cooler damage, poor performance, and catastrophic failure are preventable.

I'm considering becoming a partner in what looks like a pretty nice 1966 Cessna 182 but I'm concerned about corrosion in the airframe. I seem to remember that Cessna didn't apply any paint or even any primer to the insides of their single engine airplanes. Is that

Doing some of the maintenance and refurbishing to your own airplane will give you a great deal of satisfaction, give you greater confidence in the reliability of your airplane, allow you to understand some of the little noises and quirks in flight, teach more about systems than you will

Insider’s guide to getting the best bang for your engine overhaul buck.

Life’s funny that way. One day you’re flying your 172 along without a care in the world. The next, your mechanic is breaking the news that your beloved is in dire need of an engine overhaul. Of course you knew this day was

Sticking valves are a relatively common problem on aircraft piston engines. Lycoming Service Bulletin 388 addresses the need to regularly check clearance and provides a procedure to clean carbon accumulations to prevent problems.

Freshening up your aircraft’s interior can be an important update for many reasons. In addition to looking good, it increases your and your passengers’ comfort. New carpet and seat coverings often add value to your aircraft while reducing cockpit noise and vibration.

I have been flying my 1974 Cessna 182 a lot lately as I work toward getting my instrument rating. My other flying buddies have questioned the wisdom of using my airplane for my training—they tell me that I would save money if I rented a less complex airplane like the

Cessna manufactured approximately 145,000 single engine airplanes between 1946 and 1986. The average age of an aircraft in the Cessna fleet is 42 years; that translates to a 1970 model aircraft. The average airplane has an aluminum airframe that was certified under Civil Air

This month, we’ve compiled some of the most useful tips from Q&As published in Cessna Flyer over the last year. The questions and answers you’ll see here are abridged; refer to the original publication for complete information, including photos, drawings and company resources. —Eds.

I’m the proud pilot of a 1962 Cessna 182. I’ve been slowly doing little upgrades here and there as time and money permit. I’ve done some paint touch-up and know how to change my oil and clean the screen. I’ve changed tires and polished the windshield.

I’m looking for an all-around Cessna that I will use both in business and for family outings and vacations. I have flown in a friend’s Cessna 182 and I do like the way Cessna single engine airplanes fly.

I own a 1975 Cessna 172 M and this cowling is in bad shape. The little fasteners don’t grab very well and as a result, the holes in cowling are getting bigger and bigger. I’ve looked at other 172s on the airport with this same cowling setup and I’ve seen some that have

I fly a 1965 C-182. I was ready to upgrade from my 172 when I came across this 182. I bought it a couple of years ago (for a good price, I might add) and have been slowing getting it into tip-top condition.

I love my 1980 Cessna 210N. I think it’s the best high performance single ever made. It’s certainly the best airplane I’ve ever owned. Because of this airplane, I’ve been able to share amazing adventures with my wife and kids.

The fuel tank of my 1975 Cessna 172 started leaking fuel a few days ago. My mechanic let me drain and remove the tank. After I removed all the screws in the top cover plate, loosened and folded back the two hold down straps and pulled the tank out, I found the leak.

I’m in the fourth quarter of the game, age-wise, and have decided that it’s now or never! I’m planning a once-in-a-lifetime flying trip around the western United States and up into British Columbia next year. All of my flying—I have logged 880 hours over the last eight

August 2004 - Well here comes summer once again. If you are based east of the Mississippi, that means high temperatures and low flight visibilities, thunderstorms and high density altitudes. Here in sunny South Florida flight vis doesn't get too bad, but temperatures on the runway can exceed 140